Main Course · Dinner · Middle Eastern ·

Syrian Kibbeh Labanieh with Yogurt and Pine Nuts

Name: Syrian Kibbeh Labanieh with Yogurt and Pine Nuts
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 105 min
Total time: 140 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Fine bulgur, 1 cup; Water, 1 cup; Ground lamb, 1 lb; Onion, finely minced, 1 medium; Salt, 1 tsp; Ground cumin, 1 tsp; Ground allspice, 1/2 tsp; Olive oil, 1 tbsp; Ground lamb, 1/2 lb; Onion, finely chopped, 1 small; Pine nuts, 1/3 cup; Salt, 1/2 tsp; Ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp; Plain full-fat yogurt, 4 cups; Cornstarch, 2 tbsp; Egg white, 1; Salt, 1 tsp; Butter, 2 tbsp; Pine nuts, 1/4 cup; Fresh mint leaves, to garnish

Traditional Middle Eastern dish with lamb-stuffed dumplings simmered in a tangy yogurt sauce, topped with toasted pine nuts.

4.2(737 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·July 21, 2025

Syrian Kibbeh Labanieh with Yogurt and Pine Nuts — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

35 min

Cook

1 h 45 min

Difficulty

Advanced

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Kibbeh Shell

For the Filling

For the Yogurt Sauce

For the Topping

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 849 kcal
Protein: 52.06 g
Carbs: 31.28 g
Fat: 61.87 g
Fiber: 4.63 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 3397 kcal
Protein: 208.25 g
Carbs: 125.1 g
Fat: 247.48 g
Fiber: 18.5 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Fine bulgur 1 cup	150	5.5	33	0.4	8
Water 1 cup	0	0	0	0	0
Ground lamb 1 lb	1080	97	0	81	0
Onion, finely minced 1 medium	44	1.2	10	0.1	1.9
Salt 1 tsp	0	0	0	0	0
Ground cumin 1 tsp	8	0.4	0.9	0.5	0.6
Ground allspice 1/2 tsp	3	0.1	0.7	0.1	0.3
Olive oil 1 tbsp	119	0	0	13.5	0
Ground lamb 1/2 lb	540	48.5	0	40.5	0
Onion, finely chopped 1 small	29	0.7	7	0.1	1.2
Pine nuts 1/3 cup	308	4	6	32.4	3.3
Salt 1/2 tsp	0	0	0	0	0
Ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp	3	0.05	0.9	0.05	0.5
Plain full-fat yogurt 4 cups	600	44	48	32	0
Cornstarch 2 tbsp	60	0	14	0	0
Egg white 1	17	3.5	0.3	0.1	0
Salt 1 tsp	0	0	0	0	0
Butter 2 tbsp	204	0.2	0	23	0
Pine nuts 1/4 cup	231	3	5	24.3	2.5
Fresh mint leaves to garnish	1	0.1	0.3	0.03	0.1

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Making the Kibbeh Shell

1
Soak Bulgur
Soak bulgur in water for 30 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
2
Combine Ingredients
Combine the soaked bulgur with ground lamb, onion, salt, cumin, and allspice.
3
Form Dough
Process in a food processor until a smooth dough is formed, adding small amounts of water if necessary.

Preparing the Filling

1
Heat Oil
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2
Cook Lamb and Onion
Sauté onion and ground lamb until the lamb is browned.
3
Add Nuts and Spices
Add pine nuts, salt, and cinnamon, cooking until pine nuts are golden. Set aside to cool.
Tip: Ensure the filling is completely cool before assembling kibbeh. Pro Tip: Wet your hands when forming kibbeh to prevent sticking.

How to Make Syrian Kibbeh Labanieh with Yogurt and Pine Nuts

Total time: 2 h 20 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Assembling the Kibbeh
Form walnut-sized balls from the kibbeh dough, create an indent, and fill with a teaspoon of the filling. Seal completely.
2
Cooking the Kibbeh
Simmer filled kibbeh in boiling water for 10 minutes, then drain.
3
Preparing the Yogurt Sauce
Mix yogurt, cornstarch, egg white, and salt in a pot. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.